Litigation Legal Assistant

Role Summary

We are currently recruiting a Litigation Legal Assistant to join our Construction practice. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who enjoys variety at a fast-paced desk that offers a broad range of responsibilities and challenges.

The successful candidate must be able to confidently utilize litigation knowledge, technical proficiency, and superior practice management capabilities to deliver high-quality legal support to three lawyers. The role requires initiative, strong communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills, and a desire to work in a team environment to promote a client-focused culture.

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity with core work hours of Monday to Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are currently operating a hybrid work model and the successful candidate will be required to work in the office up to 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and/or preparing various legal documents (pleadings, notices of motion, notices of application, affidavit, facta, etc.), presentations and correspondence, and ensuring that they are in proper format and accurate.
• Assisting lawyer(s) with trial and hearing preparation, including supporting with the compilation of records and briefs as and when required.
• Arranging for service and filing of legal documents and related instructions to process servers/agents and filing with the appropriate courts/tribunals.
• Managing and tracking deadlines, conditional dates, and appointments, including managing the lawyers’ calendars and scheduling appointments and court dates as needed.
• Opening and closing files electronically, which also includes maintaining detailed matter/client lists and maintaining the electronic filing system (iManage) for each client matter.
• Running monthly accounts; reviewing entries for accuracy and completeness.
• Entering dockets into accounting software (3E) as and when required.
• Managing internal and external communications, which includes incoming calls, mail, faxes and e-mail, responding when needed and as appropriate.
• Dealing with and responding to client inquiries and conducting follow-up as required.
• Entering and updating client contact lists in the CRM (InterAction) and working closely with the Marketing and BD department as and when required.
• General other administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and meetings, booking meeting rooms, making travel arrangements, etc.; working with other internal Departments to provide documents/other materials on time to meet client needs.
• Continually assessing and establishing work priorities as needed.
• Demonstrating a team approach; supporting and standing in for colleagues to cover absences.
• Other administrative duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• At least six (6) years of relevant litigation work experience is required. Prior experience in Construction Law would be advantageous.
• Post-secondary education with a Legal Assistant Diploma and/or Law Clerk certificate.
• Familiarity with the scheduling and filing processes with the Toronto and Ontario courts and CaseLines, would be an asset.
• Thorough understanding and knowledge of legal terminology, procedures and statutes.
• Strong working knowledge of the Rules of Civil Procedure , Construction Lein Act and the steps and stages that arise in litigation.
• Proficient with legal software and MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Proficient with PDF software (Kofax Power PDF/ Adobe), ACL (Automated Civil Litigation), including the preparation of Ontario court forms and litigation documents.
• Excellent time management, organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work independently and within tight timelines.
• Eagerness to learn new technology/processes and further develop skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and diligent proofreading skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an excellent team player.
• Passionate about providing quality service and work product to lawyers, clients and the court.
• Good judgement and ability to exercise discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.

• This job posting is for an existing vacancy.
• Candidates who meet the above qualifications are asked to apply online with a copy of their resume and cover letter attached (preferably together in a single file).
• The target salary range for this position is $60,000 - $80,000, commensurate with the successful candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications.